Consumers warned of phoney tree loppers

Consumer Affairs Victoria says elderly and vulnerable people are by ripped off by people pretending to be tree loppers.

There has been an increase in Victorians targeted by fake tree loppers, who unexpectedly knock on doors, offering services for an up-front payment.

The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Heidi Victoria, says the fake tree loppers often say the offer is for 'today only' and have even been known to offer lifts to the bank for payment.

She says people should not agree to deals until a proper quote is issued.

"There are plenty of registered tree loppers and gardeners and gardening maintenance companies and of course arborists who are fit to do this, and are insured, and I would recommend that anybody who thinks they need some work done on their property, to shop around or ask some of their neighbours, have they had any work done and can they recommend somebody?" she said.